NBA Photos - Cropping

[livehead16]

hi all... i'm new around here, but i can tell i will be spending a lot of time perusing these forums. i just got my first dSLR, and i've had the chance this summer to take quite a few basketball photos with it. i've been very pleased with the results, for the most part, but i know there's a lot i can still improve on.

my specific question for you is about cropping. i struggle sometimes to decide exactly how to crop my action photos, because with basketball there are often so many people in the frame in addition to the main subject(s). sometimes i feel like the other people are needed for perspective purposes, but sometimes i worry that they're distracting. what's your take?

here's my main example, taken at the USA Bball Showcase:


(Nikon D90 w/ Sigma 70-200mm f./2.8 DG HSM II
focal length: 130mm
exposure: 1/500
aperture: 2.8
ISO: 1000)

i cropped the way i did because i like having the other guys lower than the two in the center, to illustrate that the central figures were in the air. but at the same time, i'm not so sure i shouldn't have cropped it at the waists of the two central figures. another similar example of this dilemma (from the NBA Summer League) is here. my favorite thing about that picture is the expression on the face of the guy on the ground, but i fear it gets lost because the cropping isn't tight enough.

there are lots more photos from these events at my smugmug gallery. i'd love any and all opinions or critiques that anyone has to offer!!

~Lara

[AlphaDogPhoto]

I'll respond because no one has commented on your photos yet.

My knowledge of men's basketball is limited, but I'm told that it is a bit easier than the ladies.

For examples of what you would want your shots to look like, check any of the NBA team's web sites. Some good, some bad, but mostly good.

Most pro's shoot from the floor under the basket, that means they are at a lower angle than where you got your shots from (this means darker, less distracting backgrounds). Shooting from a lower angle could solve your distracting background issues.

I know, I know you are going to say something about not being able to shoot from the floor and how should you crop your images to make them have the most impact, am I right.

Best thing to do is select the best, simplest shots and photoshop a little more blur into the background (not a good thing to do if you plan to be a editorial sports photographer), but I think it would be OK for personal use.

Most pros capture between 200 and 300 images in a game all the while knowing that they only need 10 or so "great" shots for the night.

Keep shooting, you'll get there. Spend some time looking at examples of the kinds of shots you want to get and soon you will be getting them.

[ericw]

McGeeeeeeee!!! I like your photo. I think it is well timed and of solid composition/crop and I could see it on an NBA Player's bio page. You did not crop at the waist as you say, but more a tasteful 3/4 composition. The photo you linked cannot be compared, poor crop (ankles of defender), frame doesn't feel filled, cannot see the main subjects face! In the linked one I think the player in the foreground is a distraction. In the posted image the other players are not distracting because of how it is composed.

But I am a Wizards fan so maybe my opinion is biased.

I would use the one alpha posted as an example of another poor crop. (right at the ankles? right through the defender's face? too much headroom...).

[kpy]

hey, not bad, like it

for this particular shot u have (& with audience in background)
for more impact
I'd be tempted try some form of closer/closest crop around ur 2 main subjects

for me, I'd defo like to try cropping up the left side on the edge of the ball
(even if u crop a little bit of the ball itself)

just a thought

(cropping around their waists? as u suggest, maybe, but if you tidy up the left side it may add enough more impact, and allow more focus on the main action in ur shot)